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(Dallas, Texas – September 7, 2010) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that the City of Houston and the City of Albuquerque will receive grants to advance greenhouse gas reduction activities as part of the Agency’s Climate Showcase Communities initiative. The funds will also help communities increase energy efficiency, save consumers money and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. These EPA Region 6 grantees are among 25 U.S. communities, receiving a total of $10 million for projects that will reduce greenhouse gases (GHG).The City of Houston is receiving $423,069 to reduce transportation related emissions through development of electric vehicle and bicycle infrastructure. The proposal calls for the City to 1) develop an electric vehicle charging infrastructure to be used by both city vehicles and commercial or residential vehicles, 2) implement a bike-share program, and 3) improve the existing bike infrastructure by using solar-powered LED lighting on bike paths to improve safety. The project has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower air pollutants. Houston does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone pollution, so reducing nitrogen oxides is an important part of this project.

The City of Albuquerque will receive $500,000 to use landfill gas to provide energy, including the power to recycle glass. The City is creating a landfill gas-to-energy project that will reduce fuel consumption and help to build a market for recycling and recycled products. This project moves beyond conventional approaches by coupling the landfill technology with green industry and includes an extensive public outreach campaign."Houston and Albuquerque are leading the way with innovative projects to help EPA with our goal to reduce greenhouse gases,” said Al Armendariz, EPA Region 6 Administrator. “By leveraging federal dollars, they are launching projects that will improve the environment and create jobs.”EPA will monitor the progress of grant recipients and post individual quarterly updates online.